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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Director: Stephen Norrington
Cast: Sean Connery, Nasseruddin Shah, Stuart Townsend, Peta Wilson, Tony Curran, Shane West, Jason Flemyng, Richard Roxburgh.
 Based on the Alan Moore graphic novel, 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' is an unusual tale of characters drawn from popular works of literature, comics and novels, lured to join a team to fight against a madman called 'Fantom', who is all set to destroy the world.
The League members are individualists, outcasts, but each with a unique gift. Allan Quatermain ('King Solomon's Mines'), the fearless adventurer, is the leader of the team. He is lured by the opportunity of a good fight.
Captain Nemo ('20,000 Leagues Under The Sea'), is a scientist, adventurer and pirate -- the owner of the underwater submarine 'Nautilus', and lured by the offer of amnesty. Naseeruddin Shah has almost his whole face covered but manages to make an impact, and is given equal footage and importance.
Dorian Gray (from 'The Picture Of Dorian Gray') eternally young as his photo ages, is tempted to join the team attracted by the charms of old flame Mina Harker, the
vampiress.
There is Rodney Skinner (inspired by 'Tom Sawyer'), a secret agent of the American Government, courageous and independent, hungry for action, and attracted towards the dangerous Mina
Harker.
 And finally, there's Mina Harker, the vampiress (Briam Stoker's Dracula) terrifying and powerful, who can fly and scale walls. Tempted by the promise of a break-through treatment for her condition, Harker joins the League, the only woman in this extraordinary league of 'gentlemen'!
The team recruited by M ('James Bond' fame) has to stop Fantom who is all set to sabotage an international conference where many world leaders would be present.
Despite its potential, the plot does not lead to a great film. The performances are adequate with a dignified Connery and a rougishly charming Stuart Townsend as Dorian Gray. The film does give one a chance to brush up on one's literature though! It also re-establishes the fact that anything Indian is fascinating to the West. The interior of the Nautilus has a worship-room, with an idol of Goddess Kali; there are also idols of Ganesa, a Shivalinga, and so on.
The best way to enjoy the film is not to take it too seriously, but watch it, like you would read a comic, and then you won't be disappointed!
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Malini Mannath
Published on 8th Oct, 2003
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